Zakat Al-Fitr

The amount of Zakat Al-Fitr is a minimal of $10 for each family member.

For those who are able to pay more, they are encouraged to take this opportunity to help the poor.

The Zakat may be paid directly to the poor, to your local mosque or center, or to the religious authority and their agents, who have knowledge and experience in the proper venues of appropriation.

If you would like to drop it off at the Islamic House of Wisdom, we will devote the money on your behalf on the night of Eid to be sent to the poor and needy.

FAQ ON ZAKAT AL-FITRAH

Q. What is Zakatul Fitrah? A: It is religious tax/alms (zakat) paid on the day when Muslims break the fasting period at the end of the month of Ramadhan. This alms is known as Zakat al-Fitrah.

Q. What do the Qur'an and Hadith say about Fitrah? A: Imams (as) say that the verses: Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success, and glorifies the Name of his Lord and prays (87:14 & 15) refer to giving of Fitrah and saying prayers on Eid al-Fitr.

"Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers and who shun vain conversation and who are payers of the poor due." (23:1-4). Imam Ja`far as- Sadiq (a) said: for your fast to be accepted, give zakât.

Q. When does Fitrah become wajib? A. Payment of Fitrah becomes obligatory after sunset on the eve of Eid al- Fitr. The Fitrah should be kept aside and paid on Eid al-Fitr before Eid prayers or before midday for those who cannot say their Eid prayers. It is necessary to have obligatory intention (niyyah) of giving Fitrah for God's pleasure only.

Q. What happens if someone forgets or does not give Fitrah on time? A. If one does not give out or set aside the Fitrah within the due time, he should give the Fitrah later, on the basis of precaution, without making the niyyah of adaa or qadhaa but only Qurbatan Ilallah.

Q. Can we give Fitrah in advance? A. Giving Fitrah before the eve of Eid al-Fitr is not permissible. However, if you wish to send Fitrah earlier so that it reaches the needy on time, then you can send it as a temporary loan to the needy and then change your intention from loan to Fitrah on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.

Q. To whom is Fitrah obligatory? A. Paying Fitrah is obligatory on every Muslim who is mature (baligh), sane, financially able, and conscious on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. Fitrah should also be paid on behalf of all dependents (e.g. wife, children) whom one supports financially.

Q. When is a host required to pay Fitrah for his guest? A. If a person invites another person to his house on the eve of Eid al-Fitr and if the guest is present at the host's place at the time of the sunset then it is obligatory for the host to pay Fitrah for his guest.

Q. What happens if the guest arrives after the sunset on Eid night? A. In this case the guest will pay his/her own Fitrah and it is not obligatory on the host to pay Fitrah for the guest.

Q. Can we give cash value of any commodity mentioned above? A. Yes, cash value in lieu of any foodstuff mentioned can be given as Fitrah. This is a US$ 10.00 minimum equivalent per eligible person. For example, a family of 5 would pay US $50.

Q. Whom should we give the Fitrah to?

A. It is given to the needy who are unable to meet their own or their dependents annual living expenses, nor do they have the means to do so through earning.

We appreciate and applaud your participation and sincere effort in helping those in need.